About Us

Who We Are

Esmeralda Cano established the Pre-vet Students Supporting Diversity (PSSD) during the winter quarter of 2011. Cano joined Graduate Academic Achievement and Advocacy Program (GAAAP) and discussed her goals with a dual degree UC Davis veterinarian student. After realizing how much her mentor supported and provided resources for her, she was inspired to bring a program for pre-vet undergraduates and veterinarian students to life. Cano saw a need for needs for other students and thus created PSSD.

Cano designed PSSD to support students from underrepresented/disadvantaged communities pursuing careers in veterinary medicine by providing resources needed for further enhancing their preparation for veterinary school. She sought to increase diversity in the veterinary field by providing a support system, mentorship and other resources for pre-veterinary students at UC Davis who have faced barriers leading to higher education.

In 2014, PSSD became an affiliate of the Cross Cultural Center (CCC) by serving on the Students of Diverse Affiliations Council (S.o.D.A). It is a council of registered student organizations at UC Davis that aims to bring awareness to social justice and diversity work/efforts on campus through various collaborative events and workshops. Currently, PSSD is still an active affiliate.

Underneath 2015-2016 President Nicole Doan, PSSD flourished and grew. It was under her leadership that PSSD continued to strive and reached an overwhelming amount of 150 new members. For the 2016-2017 academic year, PSSD hopes to further provide our members with skills, resources and a long-lasting support group.

What Diversity means to Us

MICHELLE LEDEZMAPSSD CLUB MEMBERMAJOR: ANIMAL SCIENCEYEAR: SOPHOMORE

"Diversity to me signifies a community that isn't identical. Each person is different, unique, coming from different backgrounds and holding different contributions to society. Though people together may compose a diverse environment, each person has their own path, their own destination to arrive. The way in how they get their molds them into the person they transform into. That helps engender diversity. It's people with different mindset contributing their ideas and potentially creating an environment and society that isn't a copy of ideas. Different environments, and different backgrounds and mindsets together help create something meaningful, something unique that most people cannot attain. Diversity should challenge people to not only to be tolerant of others, but to try to learn from them and all different walks of life."

SELDY NELSONPSSD CLUB MEMBERMAJOR: ANIMAL BIOLOGYYEAR: SENIOR

"To me diversity means interacting with a variety people different from yourself in terms of background, gender, culture, ethnicity, experiences, academics, and passions. I think diversity is crucial to growth and recognizing weaknesses and strengths. I think diversity also allows us to become more open and aware about each person's privileges. Recognizing my privileges helps me respect, listen, and understand others' experiences to see their perspective and learn. Overall I think advancements and creativity is inspired by interacting with a variety of people and sharing different ideas, which is another reason why diversity is so important."